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As Sales Flag, Publisher Eyes Retailers' Turf

December 21, 2004 - 12:52pm — Blake

Anonymous Patron writes "The New York Times Reports on an interesting move by Random House Inc., the nation's largest publisher. The company has tentative plans to sell books directly to consumers through its own Web site. On Friday, Stephen Riggio, the chief executive of Barnes & Noble Inc., the country's largest bookseller, said that he was "deeply concerned" by Random House's plans to enter into his business, raising the possibility of a growing rift between the publishing companies."

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December 21, 2004 - 5:02pm — birdie

The line has long since been blurred

Once upon a time there were vendors and there were retailers. They both knew their business and worked diligently to achieve success within the parameters of their fields. They respected one another, realizing their own success depended on the other, and the retailers became important in creating a feeling of community.

At some point, the respect went down the tubes. Greed replaced it as our economy faltered.

There is no more community now...the line has been blurred for quite a while, at least in terms of the retail scene. Not many vendors care who their customer base is anymore, just that the volume exists. Customers are faceless...they are but credit card numbers. Consequently, customer loyalty is out the window too. There are exceptions on both sides (vendors and retailers), but they're not going to be around for too long.

It's clearly a dog eat dog world out there, and the smaller dogs are turning into tasty dogfood for the big ones.

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December 21, 2004 - 6:23pm — GregS*

Re:The line has long since been blurred

The same progess in technology that allows business to market directly to their customers is also what allows you to talk to people all over the country, the world even. I may just be a credit card to some but I'm not looking to be buddy buddy with who I give my money to for services rendered. The time is better spent with people I actually have something in common with.

The exception to the rule is my comic book dealer, and considering the money I spend there he'd better be nice to me!

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December 21, 2004 - 10:08pm — nbruce (not verified)

Retail book sales

WSJ today had an article about rising costs for books, that since 1985 prices had increased much faster than cpi. But despite internet sales where price comparison can lop off $10-15 new books, they noted there is still a place for the personal service of the smaller bookstore. Not everyone goes on-line. Me? I'm heading to B&N now to pick up the Christmas presents I ordered.

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